Contact Us:
Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology
University of Waterloo, East Campus 4, Room 2001
200 University Avenue West
Waterloo , Ontario, N2L 3G1 Canada
cbb.uwaterloo.ca
519-888-4567 Ext 32732
CBB member, Dr. Maud Gorbet's research focuses on problems of biocompatibility with biomaterials and biomedical devices.
Biomedical devices have significantly improved the quality of life, and increased life expectancy of millions of people, however, their use is not without complications. Complications involving biological systems such as infection (vascular grafts, contact lenses), thrombosis (blood clot formation on cardiovascular devices such as mechanical heart valve) and fibrosis (orthopaedic implants, glaucoma shunts) continue to occur. Although the overall rate of complications remains low, the consequences may have fatal outcomes and the cost to treat them is significant.
Gorbet's research aim is to understand interactions between biomaterials and biological systems. A better understanding of the mechanisms of material-induced cellular activation will enable the design of materials and/or therapeutic strategies that improve biocompatibility and reduce the risks of complications and failures.
Some of her current research focuses on the mechanisms of material-induced thrombosis (blood clot formation) with mechanical heart valves and coronary stents: in vitro models are being developed to characterize how the blood system (platelets, leukocytes and proteins) interact with medical-grade metals to create a prothrombotic state. These results will later be used to develop in silico models of thrombosis. Her other area of research is towards the development of better in vitro models that can help understand and solve material biocompatibility problems. These in vitro models are used to identify the interactions between the material and biological systems and test hypothesis regarding the mechanisms of these interactions. These findings can then be verified in vivo or in clinical settings. Ophthalmic biomaterials, such as soft contact lenses and keratoprosthesis, are currently the main focus of this research.
Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology
University of Waterloo, East Campus 4, Room 2001
200 University Avenue West
Waterloo , Ontario, N2L 3G1 Canada
cbb.uwaterloo.ca
519-888-4567 Ext 32732
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is centralized within our Office of Indigenous Relations.